Events

Cimetière Des Chiens

Set up in 1899, Cimetière des Chiens et Autres Animaux Domestiques, is the oldest pet cemetery in France. Before the government decreed that dead animals had to be buried in a hygenic setting, there was no place for people to lay their pets to rest.

That was why the cemetery was established. Its French name translates to “Cemetery Of Dogs And Other Animals”. However, the cemetery is more than just a burial ground for dogs. Records indicate that it holds about forty thousand animals of different kinds: cats, monkeys, lions and more.

It is interesting to note it has beautiful architecture and was carefully created. At its gates stands a monument of a brave dog that rescued about forty people before its death.

The cemetery, which is the world’s oldest pet cemetery, was used by a very lavish clientele. It houses uniquely grave stones. Some of them are engraved with beautiful quotes or poetry that represent the special bond between the French people have with their pets.

There are stylized mausoleums as well as a tomb for police dogs.

Cimetiere Des Chiens Residents

Some of the remains there belong to animals famous in their own right. Others were pets of famous and influential people. Rin Tin Tin is perhaps the most famous animal buried in the cemetery grounds. His owner wanted him to be close to where he was found as a puppy.

Other animals that were either famous or belonged to famous people include film director Sacha Guitry’s pet, and Tiger, Actress Marguerite Durand’s pet lion,

Once it was declared a historical monument by the French government, the cemetery became accessible to people. Today tourists and animal lovers from all over visit to pay their respects.

For many people –not just the French – animals are cherished family friends.